“Inspirations and Influences” is a series of articles in which we invite authors to write guest posts talking about their…well, Inspirations and Influences. The cool thing is that the writers are given free rein so they can go wild and write about anything they want. It can be about their new book, series or about their career as a whole.

Today, we are thrilled to have Caitlin Kittredge, author of adult Urban Fantasy and YA speculative fiction. The second book in her Steampunk/adventure YA Iron Codex series, The Nightmare Garden was released on Valentine’s Day.

Here to talk about her books, please give a warm welcome to Caitlin, everyone!

It starts with a strange look—I’ll be describing my young adult trilogy, the Iron Codex, and I’ll utter the words “Lovecraftian steampunk fantasy”. And I’ll get the look. The I’m not sure what you’re about look. I get it, I do—these influences aren’t the most common basis for a YA novel. Honestly, when I started writing the books, I wasn’t sure it was going to work.

My inspiration for the first book, The Iron Thorn, was pretty simple — I wanted to write steampunk but I wasn’t finding a great deal of connection to the traditional steampunk tropes. I didn’t connect to gentle stories of manners and dirigibles, nor rip-roaring tales of rogue difference engines. I loved to read them, but every time I tried to write them I’d run of of steam (hah) within the first few chapters.

And then, one morning, the first line of Iron Thorn fell into my head. There are seventeen madhouses in the city of Lovecraft. I’ve visited all of them. Spoken in the voice of my narrator, Aoife Grayson, I wrote and wrote, trying to figure out why there was a city called Lovecraft and what manner of world it inhabited.

I’ve always been influenced by H.P. Lovecraft — I find his personal views and politics both despicable and sadly indicative of the time he lived in, but as for his fiction, in my opinion he has few peers when it comes to horror writing. His sentences aren’t always perfect and he does tend to ramble, but I haven’t met many other writers who can grab you by the throat and not let go, forcing you to watch the unceasing terror and tension folded into their stories play out.

So I had a steampunk story with a decidedly Lovecraftian twist — many of his monsters existed in the world of The Iron Thorn, and the horror of the unknown, the red thread that connects all of Lovecraft’s work, is also strong. I quickly decided that magic was outlawed in the world of the Iron Codex, seen as the ultimate blasphemy against science and reality. What would happen, I wondered, if Aoife Grayson discovered that magic was real, and not only real, but a part of her the same as her blood and skin?

She’d be in a tight spot, and I wrote The Iron Thorn to get her out of it. The sequel, The Nightmare Garden, is a lot more steampunk that Lovecraftian, if I do say. I had a fantastic time creating the gadgets, the locales, and the new characters for Nightmare Garden, and I could feel my childhood love of other pulps, such as the Conan stories, The Shadow (who’s extremely steampunk, if you read many of his adventures) and Victorian penny dreadfuls influencing what I wrote.

But it always came back to that strange combination, that twist on tradition that shouldn’t quite work. Monsters — unimaginably cosmic and horrifyingly real both — and technology, the solidness of iron and the hiss of steam — exisiting side by side. I don’t think the Iron Codex would have come about if I hadn’t been such a dedicated Lovecraft reader, but I don’t think it would have been nearly as much fun without the inspiration of giving the story a steampunk twist, eschewing tradition, gender roles, authority and cultural norms in a way that probably would have made old Howard Philips head for the hills. And I’m happy about that, because I love the world I was inspired to create by his stories, even if he wouldn’t.

Both The Iron Thorn and The Nightmare Garden are combinations of, I’d guess, most of my influences throughout my writing career and my life. There’s a lot in there—my love of pulps, old fairy tales my parents would read to me, my love of bizarre and forgotten folklore, and a strong dash of alternate history, the go-to spice of any steampunk author. And I think it’s because the inspiration for the books was so simple, but the influences so complex, that I love this trilogy as much as I do. I hope you feel the same way when you read it.

Giveaway Details:

Two lucky winners will receive copies of The Iron Thorn and The Nightmare Garden, courtesy of the lovely Ms. Kittredge. The contest is open to ALL and will run until Saturday February 25 at 11:59PM (PST). In order to enter, simply leave a comment here telling us what YOUR favorite Steampunk adventure novel is. Only one entry per person, please! Multiple entries will be disqualified. Good luck!

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Thea James is half of the maniacal book review duo behind The Book Smugglers. By day, she does digital operations things over at Penguin Random House. By night, she watches an abundance of horror movies, stays up too late, and voraciously devours ALL THE SFF.

138 Comments

I actually have read the first of this series and would place it up with my favorites. I may have come away from the book squeeing and gibbering to my husband, “OkayIknowyoudon’tlikesteampunk BUT YOU HAVE TO READ THIS.” >_>

Otherwise, my favorites are probably the Leviathan trilogy by Scott Westerfeld, and All Men of Genius by Lev A.C. Rosen (Ada Lovelace as a character? YES PLEASE).

Oh, cool giveaway. My fave steampunk adventure is probably BONESHAKER by Cherie Priest. It has zombies, steampunk, a kick-ass heroine, and absolutely no romance in sight (which is how I like my novels).

I enjoyed Boneshaker by Cherie Priest and have just finished the first book in the Parasol Protectorate series by Gail Carriger which has elements of steampunk. Looking forward to exploring the genre further!

brenda

My favorite Steampunk novel is a French book called Mr Socrate’s Agents, both Leviathan and Boneshaker are in my reading pile and I think once I’ll get to them, one of them will be probably steal the top position!

Alison

I’m going to have to go for Cherie Priest as well, but I pick DREADNOUGHT as my favorite of hers. I loved Mercy Lynch.

Justine

February 16, 2012 at 4:12 am

Since I’m having difficulty picking one steampunk novel or series, I’ll go with the steampunk anthology edited by Kelly Link and Gavin J. Grant.

jude

February 16, 2012 at 5:41 am

Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones.

Mandi Venard

February 16, 2012 at 5:45 am

Clockwork Heart by Dru Pagliasotti.

MarieC

February 16, 2012 at 6:19 am

I blush to say that I have many of these books/series in my TBR ‘stack’ (can ebooks be stacked?), so I don’t have too much exposure to steampunk. However, ofthe few I’ve read, I really love MelJean Brooks books from the ‘Iron Seas’ series (only three stories so far), but the ‘Strange affair of the Spring-Heeled Jack’ is great as well.

Ellie

February 16, 2012 at 6:49 am

The only steampunk I’ve read is All Men of Genius by Lev AC Rosen, and it was amazing, so I’ll have to go with that one!

Ginny

February 16, 2012 at 6:54 am

I absolutly loved Heart of Veridon by Tim Akers, & think it’s under rated compared to a lot of other steampunk book. I also loved Dead of Veridon, I really hope The Burn Cycle series continues.

Dani Nguyen

February 16, 2012 at 6:54 am

Hard to pick, but I loved Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld. Thanks for the giveaway! Can’t wait to read Nightmare Garden!

Amanda

February 16, 2012 at 7:10 am

Howl’s Moving Castle is one of my absolute favorites, steampunk or no. I just started To Say Nothing of the Dog and that has a little bit of that feel – fantastic book so far. Would love to try these two! 🙂

Tina

February 16, 2012 at 7:50 am

Someone above said Howl’s Moving Castle, which I have never before thought of as a Steampunk novel! It certainly qualifies and I LOVE that book!

Vanessa

February 16, 2012 at 7:56 am

The Parasol Protectorate (Does a series count?). Most fave!

CrystalGB

February 16, 2012 at 8:07 am

The Iron Duke by Meljean Brook.

SarahDF

February 16, 2012 at 8:11 am

Thanks for the contest, I hadn’t realized that a sequal for The Iron Thorn was out!

I haven’t read a ton of steampunk, but the Iron Duke would be my favorite. I also enjoyed the Parasol Protectorate series.

Katie

February 16, 2012 at 8:11 am

I see someone mentioned Howl’s Moving Castle. If that counts as steampunk, then that book is my favorite. If not, I’d have to go with Westerfeld’s Leviathan books.

Katherine H

Teresa Warner

Misti

February 16, 2012 at 8:28 am

My favorite is probably the Leviathan series also. But I really enjoyed The Iron Thorn and am looking forward to The Nightmare Garden.

Liz

February 16, 2012 at 8:52 am

I really enjoyed the Parasol Protectorate series by Gail Carriger. But if we’re counting Howl’s Moving Castle (never really thought of that one as steampunk before, but now that it’s been pointed out I can see it) then that definitely wins.

Thanks for the giveaway!

Mary

February 16, 2012 at 8:59 am

Clockwork Angel would be my current favorite.

Becci

February 16, 2012 at 9:00 am

My favorite steampunk would have to be a tossup between Leviathan and All Men of Genius. But if pushed came to shove, I’d probably choose Leviathan. Gotta love Deryn! 🙂

I’m pretty obsessed with Gail Carriger’s Parasol Protectorate series, but Iron Thorn has been on my TBR list for quite some time!

LeAnn

February 16, 2012 at 9:09 am

I haven’t read a lot of steampunk, but I keep meaning to read more. I have Steampunk!: An Anthology of Fantastically Rich and Strange Stories on my to-read list, and I really should move it up the list. I’d say the steampunk I like the most so far is The Somnambulist, although I have been told that it’s less steampunk and more magical realism, but I think there are steampunk elements. It was an odd, weird, interesting book.

I’ve always loved the setting of steampunk, but for some reason couldn’t really find any books dedicated to it. Which is why I’m glad the genre is getting more mainstream. If these books count, I would say Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials trilogy or Frank Beddor’s The Looking Glass Wars. Thank you for the giveaway!

Tricia

This would be a nice introduction for me into the steampunk/urban fantasy genre. The cover work alone has me very intrigued; such great work!

jen m

February 16, 2012 at 4:41 pm

i’m reading kate elliot’s spiritwalker trilogy right now, and am loving it! i know its not super steam punk, but it does have gaslamps and airships :). and its soooooooo good!

Breanne

February 16, 2012 at 5:07 pm

The Leviathan trilogy by Scott Westerfeld.

MK

February 16, 2012 at 5:14 pm

I’ve a tie for favorite between Girl Genius and Scott Westerfield’s Leviathan trilogy.

Barbara Elness

February 16, 2012 at 5:21 pm

I really enjoyed this interview and the story behind The Iron Thorn and The Nightmare Garden. I’ve had The Iron Thorn on my wish list, but haven’t had a chance to pick it up yet, so this giveaway is awesome. 😀

sarac

February 16, 2012 at 5:26 pm

I really loved the Iron Duke by Maljean Brooks.

Giuliana

February 16, 2012 at 5:41 pm

I really liked Leviathan by Westerfeld.

Christa

Amy C

February 16, 2012 at 6:30 pm

My current favorite right now has to be the Demi-Monde series by Rod Rees, as the first book just recently came out in the US (the first and second are already out in the UK, I believe). I love it right now. I’m not sure if it can be classified as steampunk, all considered, as it takes place in the real world 2018 as well as the Demi-Monde which is trapped in a hellish 1940s alternate dimension where Napoleon, Robespierre, Hitler (Heydrich), and Beria, as well as other well-known historical figures, struggle for power. I suppose it is steampunk though, in the sense that it clearly takes place in the past and yet is much more scientific than it should be, or currently is…

And my long-time favorites have to be the Leviathan Trilogy by Scott Westerfeld. Just… yes. That series. It is amazing.

Oh. And can’t forget Incarceron and Sapphique, which although might not be steampunk entirely, seems to have that same gritty atmosphere.

Mary Preston

I really enjoy Gail Carriger’s Parasol Protectorate series, although I’m not completely up to date. I also really enjoyed The Iron Thorn. I haven’t read that much steampunk, and I hope to add more to my shelves this year.

Jen B.

February 16, 2012 at 7:31 pm

I love Steampunk. Even The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen! But, my favorite novel is actually a series and it’s not just a favorite but a bit of a passion (did you like that crazy sentence structure?). Gail Carriger’s Parasol Protectorate series. I recommend it to everyone. I stalk the web waiting for the next installment. I mourned when the author announced the end of the series. I have to go now because I am sad all over again!

Shannon H

February 16, 2012 at 7:33 pm

I really love the Iron Duke by Meljean Brook

Courtney

February 16, 2012 at 7:56 pm

The Leviathan series

Victoria Zumbrum

February 16, 2012 at 8:08 pm

I haven’t read steampunk yet but I am very interested in reading some. Please enter me in contest. Tore923@aol.com

Chris Bails

February 16, 2012 at 8:09 pm

I have not had a chance to read any steampunk books. I have not been introduced to this genre yet. I have heard of a couple of series, but have not had a chance to check them out. This is a new author and genre for me and would love to win and read these books. Thanks for the giveaway and the chance to win.
😉

Emily Thompson

February 16, 2012 at 9:11 pm

I think my favourite is technically not a book, but the webcomic “Girl Genius.” I lurrrve that. It’s everything I’ve ever dreamed about. And more. I haven’t read it in a long while, because I didn’t like having to wait every couple days for a new page to come out, but whenever I got back to it, I will be happy.
Also, if I have to state a book, then I like Howl’s Moving Castle. I saw it first as a Studio Ghibli film and fell in love.

Kristy McRae

February 16, 2012 at 9:35 pm

I love Scott Westerfeld’s Leviathan, and I also loved The Iron Thorn! I haven’t read a great deal of steampunk, but am finding that what I’ve read so far has been great! I’m really looking forward to seeing what happens next in The Nightmare Garden! I’m a Lovecraft fan myself, so that aspect of The Iron Thorn really intrigues me. Thanks for hosting this giveaway!

Stephanie K.

February 16, 2012 at 9:52 pm

The Iron Duke by Meljean Brooks

Debora B

February 16, 2012 at 10:21 pm

God, I love steampunk so much. If it counts, Howl’s Moving Castle is a definite favorite. If not, The Infernal Devices Series by Cassandra Clare. Absolutely love Clockwork Angel and Clockwork Prince *-* Can’t wait for Clockwork Princess! And I’ve been dying to read The Iron Thorn! Thanks so much for the giveaway!

Carol Thompson

February 16, 2012 at 11:14 pm

For my favorite steampunk novel I have to go back quite a while to what was probably the first I ever read, namely The Warlord of the Air by Michael Moorcock.

THanks for the giveaway.

Carol T

Helle

February 17, 2012 at 1:34 am

My favourite would be Soulless by Gail Carriger – I think that’s the only book I’ve read that counts as Steampunk. 😉

I thoroughly enjoyed Boneshaker and am a big fan of the Philip Reeve titles and I’m also particularly looking forward to Tiffany Trent’s new steampunk novel coming out later this year. Oh, and let’s not forget Magic Under Glass. A big big favourite.

Hannah w

February 17, 2012 at 8:51 am

My faves would have to be the dark materials (are they steampunk :S? not sure) but the clockwork corset was really good, it was a collection of short stories and had a lovely cover. Thanks for the give away =]

*one of my dearest friends told me I was very much Kate DeVries. How could I not love that?

Katie M.

February 17, 2012 at 10:07 pm

I’ve only recently been introduced to steampunk, but have found that I love it! So far, my favorite steampunk genre book is “Leviathan” by Scott Westerfeld (set during the time of WWI). I’m very interested in reading The Iron Thorn and The Nightmare Garden as I am a long-time fantasy fan — Sounds like a wonderful mix! 😀

Sofija

February 18, 2012 at 1:58 am

My favorite is The Iron Duke by Meljean Brook. It is full of adventure, romance, conspiracy and humor.

Ariana

February 18, 2012 at 2:50 am

I simply adore Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld. Awesome story and characters.

I still have The Iron Thorn sitting on my shelf, with its spine uncracked. I AM going to read it a.s.a.p. ’cause I’ve been salivating over the whole idea ever since you mentioned the m.s. at your blog years ago.

ajinalina

February 18, 2012 at 6:05 am

my favorite is Clockwork Angel

Cindy J.

February 18, 2012 at 11:27 am

My favorite steampunk novel is Boneshaker. 🙂

Rachel

February 19, 2012 at 12:47 am

I’m going to have to continue the love for Leviathan. Great book.

Cristina

February 19, 2012 at 2:32 am

Mine has to be heart of steel by Meljean Brook i heard of it through this blog and am now and in the process of reading it through a second time in a row. Close second and third have to be Boneshaker and the infernal devices

Lillian

February 19, 2012 at 12:11 pm

I’d have to say that Scott Westerfeld’s Leviathan trilogy is my favorite collection of steampunk novels.

Alyssa Sooklal

February 19, 2012 at 3:09 pm

My favorite Steampunk series is The Steampunk Chronicles. The first book, The Girl in the Steel Corset, was thoroughly engrossing. I liked the quality of the author’s writing and the pace of the novel. The second book, The Girl in the Clockwork Collar, will be out in May. I can’t wait to read it!!! 🙂
Thanks for the giveaway! I really enjoyed The Iron Thorn.
Alyssa Sooklal 🙂

Pippi55

February 19, 2012 at 3:18 pm

Leviathan, I agree.

Samantha

February 19, 2012 at 4:18 pm

Does The Alloy of Law by Brandon Sanderson count as steampunk? I think that’s the closest I’ve gotten to reading any, but I really, really liked it.

Cindy A.

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The Book Smugglers

noun
1 : a book review blog specializing in speculative fiction and popgeekery for all ages since 2008.
2 : a digital-first publisher of speculative fiction and nonfiction since 2014.
3 : 2017 Hugo Nominee for Best Semiprozine
4 : a duo of awesomely badass book nerds